Thin trade in Khatunganj

Sales fell at Khatunganj market on the first day of a countrywide 'lockdown' yesterday thanks to a lack of transportation facilities at the famous commodities hub situated in Chattogram.

Various consumer goods, including the ones used widely during Ramadan, experienced a price cut at the same time. However, there was no disruption in customs and port activities as the loading and unloading of import/export shipments remained normal.

However, delivery was slightly hampered by the government's restrictions on public movement .

Traders said the price of various daily necessities such as chickpea, sugar and edible oil declined by about Tk 100-150 per maund (37 kilogrammes).

"The prices of commodities have been rising in the wholesale market in the last few weeks because of Ramadan but every trader began trying to sell their products just after the lockdown's announcement," wholesale trader Abdur Razzak told The Daily Star.

"This caused the prices to fall," he added.

Each maund of sugar became Tk 100 cheaper in two days -- from Tk 2,350 to Tk 2,250.  However, the wholesale price cut did not have any impact on kitchen markets, where people are still flocking in large numbers amid panic buying.

Wholesale prices have been falling in the last couple of days but most retailers are selling items they bought earlier at higher prices, said Nazrul Hoque, a retailer at Karnaphuli CDA Market.